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Hall candidacy: Larry Walker was at his best in Coors Field

Outfielder Larry Walker was one of the most feared sluggers and best all-around players in the game for over a decade. He won the 1997 National League MVP award, three batting titles and seven Gold Gloves.

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Hall candidacy: Larry Walker was at his best in Coors Field

Steve Gardner, USA TODAY Sports
10:05 p.m. EST December 30, 2012

Outfielder Larry Walker was a fearsome hitter during his 17-year career, especially at Coors Field -- where he posted a .710 slugging percentage in 2,501 plate appearances.(Photo: David Zalubowski, AP)

Story Highlights

Larry Walker was one of the most feared sluggers and best all-around hitters for over a decade

Walker won three National League batting titles, an MVP award and seven Gold Gloves

However, he played more than 145 games only once and benefited greatly from hitting in Coors Field

(Editor's note: USA TODAY Sports is publishing thumbnail sketches of the top 22 Hall of Fame candidates on this year's ballot. It is a most intriguing lot, ranging from seeming first-ballot names marred by the cloud of performance-enhancing drugs to unsullied players nearing the end of their 15-year eligibility. The Baseball Writers Association of America will announce who, if anyone, is voted in Jan. 9.)

Why he should be inducted: Because he was one of the most feared sluggers and best all-around players in the game for over a decade. Walker was a seven-time Gold Glove award winner who was known for his strong throwing arm and excellent defensive skills in right field.

He paced the National League with 44 doubles in 1994 while leading the Montreal Expos to the best record in baseball – until a strike wiped out the entire postseason. As a member of the Colorado Rockies, he won the 1997 NL MVP award when he hit .366, led the league with 49 homers, stole 33 bases and drove in a career-high 130 runs. Walker won three NL batting titles from 1998-2001 – hitting .363, .379 and .350 – and he finished his 17-year career with a .315 average. His .565 career slugging percentage ranks 13th in baseball history.

Why he shouldn't be inducted: Because no matter how impressive his career numbers are, it's hard to get past the fact that Walker spent 10 of his 17 seasons playing in Coors Field, one of the most extreme hitters' parks in baseball history.

In addition, he was often sidelined by injuries. Only once in his career did he play more than 145 games in a season. As a result, Walker's career totals of 383 home runs, 1,311 RBI and 2,160 hits don't stack up very well with the other leading sluggers during an era of heightened offensive production.

Verdict: When he was on the field, Walker was one of the best players in the game. But his lack of durability (1,988 career games) and the statistical benefit he derived from playing in Colorado will likely deny him admission to Cooperstown.